Looking for a unique way to celebrate the holidays this year that won’t break the bank? Look no further than “Holidays in the Park.” Starting December 1, 2022, four of Fairmount Park’s beautiful and historic houses will deck the halls for the holiday season.  

Details:

  • All four houses will be open Friday to Sunday in December from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates include:
    • December 2 – 4, 2022
    • December 8 – 11, 2022
    • December 15 – 18, 2022.
  • Additional tour dates are available but vary depending on the house — check the links to each house below for all available dates.
  • Guests of any age are welcome to join in the fun this holiday season.
  • Children 12 and under are free. 
  • $5 suggested donation (except Woodford Mansion, which is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors/ students).
  • Masks are encouraged but are not required.

This year’s featured houses include:

Historic Strawberry Mansion – 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, 19132.

Tour dates  

  • Thursday through Sunday, from December 1 to December 23. Closed after Christmas.  

Tour details  

Strawberry Mansion is the largest of the Fairmount Park Historic Houses. Handcrafted and manufactured ornaments and decorations will adorn the beautiful mansion for the holidays. 

Brief history  

William Lewis, a lawyer, judge, and state legislator, built Strawberry Mansion in the Federal style around 1789. He drafted the first law in the U.S. abolishing slavery. Lewis was an advisor to both George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Learn more about Historic Strawberry Mansion.  

Laurel Hill Mansion – 3487 Edgley Drive, 19121

Tour dates 

  • Wednesday through Sunday, from December 1 to December 23. 
  • The house will also be open for tours on December 28, 29, and 30.  

Tour details 

Laurel Hill is one of the most visible houses situated along the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park. The view of the river from the back porch is beautiful. 

This year, Laurel Hill’s decorations reflect the varied events that take place at the house throughout the year including holiday tea and gingerbread, summer concerts, and beekeeping. 

Brief history 

Rebecca Rawle, a widow with three children, had the two-story Georgian house built in 1767. The colonists seized the house during the Revolution because Rebecca’s second husband was loyal to the British. Learn more about Laurel Hill Mansion 

Ormiston Mansion – 2000 Reservoir Drive, 19121 

Tour dates 

  • Thursday through Sunday, December 2 to December 18.  

Tour details 

Funday Sundays on Dec 4, 11, and 18 will include activities for children.  

At 3 p.m. on Sundays, visitors can listen to Christmas Carols on Bells. Volunteers will serve free tea and cookies. Learn more about Ormiston 

Brief history  

Built by a wealthy Scottish merchant in 1798, the house is maintained by the Royal Heritage Society of the Delaware Valley. They help preserve this piece of Philadelphia’s colonial past.

Woodford Mansion – 3400 West Dauphin Drive., 19132 

Tour dates 

  • Wednesday through Sunday, December 1 through December 18.  
  • The house will be open for tours on December 23 – 24, and December 28 – 31. 

Tour details  

This year, “Sounds of the Seasons” is the theme for the mansion’s holiday decorations, which will be inspired by classic or popular holiday songs. 

Brief history  

William Coleman, a trusted confidant to Benjamin Franklin, built Woodford in 1756. William and his wife Hannah raised their orphaned nephew, George Clymer here. Clymer would later sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Since 1927, Naomi Wood’s unique collection of colonial objects has been displayed here. Learn more about Woodford Mansion.  

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Proceeds from the event will support stewardship and maintenance of the Historic Houses of Fairmount Park.  

Accessibility  

The houses’ historic designs create certain accessibility challenges. Guests with specific needs can call before visiting to learn about their options. The links above lead to pages with each house’s contact information for any questions.   

Trolley tours between the historic houses will not be offered in 2022. Guests are free to walk or drive between the mansions. Free parking at each location.

Visit the Park Charms website for more information about this and other upcoming events, plus information on each historic house museum.